On 22nd January, a local court in Imphal ordered the release of Irom Sharmila by regarding the charge of "attempt to suicide" as baseless. However, Irom Sharmila has been re-arrested again and has been booked under the same charge of "attempt to suicide" under 309 IPC.

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), a nation-wide campaign in support of Irom Sharmila and against AFSPA, condemns the re-arrest. SSSC considers this re-arrest of Irom Sharmila as a mockery of judiciary by the state. While the judiciary had released her by quashing the charges of "attempt to suicide", the state has re-arrested her on the same grounds.

SSSC believes that it is a failure of state to resolve the issue of AFSPA and it is making Sharmila, a victim of state. At this time when few days ago, even the government said that it is considering the decriminalization of the 309 IPC, it seems that the state functionaries are trying to get the benefit till the time the government decriminalises it.

SSSC appeals with Govt of India to intervene in the issue and to order immediate release of Sharmila. It also appeals that immediate steps should be taken to repeal AFSPA, the cause for which Irom Sharmila is protesting.

AFSPA must be removed in view of large scale human rights violations. Even the state leadership of present ruling party in Central govt had favored in repealing of this act. The state unit of BJP had promised the repeal of AFSPA during the elections.

SSSC has organised and is continuing its efforts to highlight the issue and struggle of people in AFSPA imposed areas. SSSC has also sent letters and delegations to various authorities and appealed them to repeal this act, however SSSC is determined to initiative a major movement in coming days to protest against this act.

Press Statement issued by

National Core Committee,

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign

(A Joint Initiative of Civil Society Organisations and Individuals in support of Irom Sharmila and against AFSPA)